The following prayer points are in a secure format to protect missionaries in sensitive locations. This means that some names have been removed, so they are best read in conjunction with the CMS Prayer Diary which is available from your local branch.
Due to the COVID-19 situation around the world, some prayer points may become outdated. Nevertheless, use them to inspire your prayers, and feel free to contact the missionaries you support (by newsletter or directly) to hear their current needs. You can subscribe to missionary newsletters here.
MAY 2022 PRAYER POINTS
SPECIAL PRAYER FOCUS: EQUIPPING CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Father God, thank you that you set aside faithful men and women to lead and serve in churches. We praise you for the many theological institutions around the world where Christians can be trained in biblical understanding and pastoral practice. Please be with new graduates as they commence ministry, and with those considering ministry as they seek your leading and wisdom. Please continue to equip CMS missionaries involved in theological education as they seek to promote gospel-centred training in all parts of the world. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday 24 – Japan & Taiwan
Pray with Nathan & Maki Clapham for good preparations for and attendance at camp on 3-4 June. Pray with Chenny Thie for smooth running and good attendance for various welcome events planned by KGK campus groups. Pray for wisdom for Dene & Rachel Hughes as they attempt to build balanced timetables with increased in-person gatherings and some groups continuing online. Give thanks that Eliott (17) has been asked again by Seahorse Soccer to help with training. Give thanks with Kellie Nicholas for the opportunity to meet in person with the KGK national staff team last week and enjoy fellowship together. Give thanks with Roger & Noriko Dethlefs for the CMS retreat and pastoral visit, and the commencement of the academic year with new groups of enthusiastic students wanting to meet in person. Pray for Sam & Shan-Shan Chrisp as they both share from the Bible at a few different events. Pray that they can explain God’s Word clearly.
Wednesday 25 – East Asia
Pray for K that, as the semester draws to a close, her motivation to submit her completed research project would remain until the end. Pray for L, that God would lead her to people seeking truth. Pray for E, that God would comfort and renew her despite uncertainty.
Thursday 26 – North Australia
Pray for Tavis & Kate Beer as they continue their final Home Assignment and for their family as they transition to a new home, study and work over the coming months. Pray for Derek & Rosemary Snibson and the rest of the Ministry Development Team to develop effective ways to encourage each other, and to support and equip Aboriginal Churches and leaders. Praise God with Ian & Jenny Wood for the students who could study in the second half of term when NT biosecurity zones opened. Pray for the Woods as they teach courses rearranged to catch up on missed classes. Pray with Co-Mission Partners Marlene Andrews, Mandy Manggura and James Woods that God would protect Nungalinya students from COVID.
Friday 27 – North Australia
Thank God with Zoe Creelman for the church leaders at Ngukurr, who live out the hope of the gospel in their lives. Pray they would especially know the Spirit’s comfort this month as some significant funerals take place. Pray with Matt & Kate Vinicombe for Bible camp (late May) which is being organised and run by the local churches on Groote. Pray that plans won’t be frustrated, and that God’s word may ring out clearly. Pray with Josh & Steph Mackenzie for the upcoming dry season, that it might bring at time of spiritual renewal for the church and people of Numbulwar. Pray for Matt & Lisa Pearson and their children as they transition back to Sydney for HA, that they would love one another through change. Pray also for Emmanuel church to cling to Jesus as their hope in all seasons. Pray for Simon & Claire Koefoed as Simon develops plans in Professional Development and Supervision for church leaders and as Claire returns to Tiwi to continue supporting teachers in literacy instruction for Aboriginal children. Thank God with Geoff & Hannah Harper for new staff at Wadeye health clinic. Pray for a Christian Indigenous friend who has recently moved to WA.
Saturday 28 – North Australia, Vanuatu, PNG & Solomon Islands
Pray for Chris & Karen Webb, that ministry opportunities in Broome Peoples Church will build back up after disruptions caused by COVID in March and April. Pray with Joel & Tiffanie Atwood for an energetic start to term two at Talua after the lockdowns of term one. Pray also for students unable to learn face to face, but without access to reliable internet. Pray for Keith & Marion Birchley and their Bible summit starting next week. Logistics are often difficult. Pray that many students would attend and grow in their understanding of God’s perspective on suffering and joy in him. Pray with David Pettett for students and staff trying to manage heavy workloads in a shortened time frame after semester one was delayed due to COVID lockdowns.
Sunday 29 – CMS Partners
Pray for CMS Partners in Ethiopia including the Anglican Diocese of Gambella, Evangelical Theological College and Bingham Academy. Pray for wise and godly leadership, faithful teaching and a continued reliance on God to equip, strengthen and sustain those serving in these organisations.
Monday 30 – CMS Branches
Praise God with NSW & ACT for his provision of Geoff and Michelle Brain, who have started as Conference Centre managers following a long history with CMS. Ask God to help them settle in and that their service will bring the Lord glory. Give thanks with QNNSW for the faithful supporters and churches praying for and giving support to missionaries. Pray that many will be inspired to give through the Lasting Hope Appeal. Pray with SANT that the annual online dinner will be a time of encouragement and will inspire many to consider serving cross-culturally. Give thanks with TAS for the youth and young adults who came to their World Mission Youth Night this month. Pray for Branch Candidates Committee and for Scott, the State Director, as they work with inquirers and applicants. Pray with VIC that the Lasting Hope Appeal will be effective in raising funds to support missionaries. Pray with WA for the planning and effectiveness of the Home Assignments of four missionary units from May to August.
Tuesday 31 – CMS Fellowship
Give thanks to God for the life and ministry of former CMS missionary, Alec Baker, who died earlier this year. Praise God for Alec and Deirdre’s service with CMS in the Middle East and pray for comfort for those in grief. Pray for recently retired missionaries Mike & Tania Snowdon (Spain) and L & J (East Asia) as they adjust to new ministries and circumstances.